Mercedes keen to keep the pressure on at the Malaysian grand prix

EmbedFeedMercedes keen to keep the pressure on at the Malaysian grand prixIBTimes UK

The Mercedes Formula One team posed for photographs with fans and spoke to the media in Malaysia ahead of the grand prix at Sepang on 29 March 2015.

The season-opening Australian Grand Prix bordered on the farcical as defending world champion Lewis Hamilton led a Mercedes one-two ahead of Nico Rosberg in a race where only 13 of a possible 20 cars were racing by the end of the first lap.

Mechanical failure, under-prepared cars and injury accounted for most of the withdrawals, leaving Mercedes at the head of the field, with Hamilton and Rosberg continuing the battle for supremacy while the other teams scrambled around for minor honours.

Mercedes have now won the last eight races and team principal Toto Wolff said they relished the pressure of staying ahead of their rivals.

"Of course the pressure is on, we want to deliver in Malaysia, we want to deliver in our home race, but then that's the environment and that's the kind of pressure we love," he said.

Teams face unique problems in Malaysia where they face not just heat and humidity but an abrasive track, there is also a strong possibility of rain which could leave standing water on the circuit.

"Sepang is a tricky one with the humidity and heat, so the configuration of the cars is going to be completely different than in Australia," said Wolff.

"Been in training to get your body used to these temperatures because the race is the hardest race of the year physically," added Hamilton, "Humidity is a killer."

Despite not always appearing to be on the best of terms in the past, Rosberg feels that his battle with Hamilton has helped bring out the best in both men.

"It's a very constructive battle which benefits the team a lot because we are both pushing each other to higher and higher levels. And yes it's a great battle, to be fighting for race wins every single race at the moment is very special," he said.